The story of Jesus washing His disciples feet is only found in John. The synoptic record the story of the dispute between the disciples as to who is the greatest. John does not record that story; instead he tells the story of Jesus washing his disciples’ feet. The story is a counter to the self-interestedness of the disciples in trying to mark off turf. It shows the other side - the selflessness of Christ in his humble service demonstrated by the washing of their feet. The story is an enacted parable, a lesson in action. But the story is not just a reaction to the petty-mindedness of the disciples but it foreshadows the voluntary humility of Christ in his death on the cross.
Incomplete/Incorrect ways of seeing the Washing of feet:
1. HUMILITY. Simply as a lesson in humility. It is that, but it is much more. Jesus’ dialogue with Peter completely obscures the significance of the event as merely an ethical lesson in humility.
2. CONTINUITY. To encourage the washing of feet as an event to be perpetuated. This is mere EXTERNALITY.
The lesson of the story must be seen from the words spoken by Christ in the shadow of the cross. It has to do with cleansing, that cleansing without which no man belongs to Christ, that cleansing which is given by the cross alone. John seems to be saying that there is no place in his fellowship for those who have not been cleansed by the atoning blood. The story dramatizes the truth enunciated in 1 John 1:7, ‘We are being cleanse from every sin by the blood of Jesus.’
Many people today would like to be Christians but see no need of the cross. They are ready to admire Jesus’ life and to praise the sublimity of his moral teaching, but they cannot bring themselves to believe that Christ died for their sins, and that without that death they would be lost in sin. So John is at pains to present Christ, in this story, as our CLEANSER.
Two things about Cleansing.
1. NECESSARY
Temple: We rather shrink from this revelation. We are ready, perhaps, to be humble before God; but we do not want Him to be humble in His dealings with us. We should like him, who has the right, to glory in his goodness and greatness; then we, as we pass from His presence, may be entitled to pride ourselves on such achievements as distinguish us above with the readiness to receive it. For there can be much pride and condescension in our give of service.
1. Surrender. It is sometimes easier to give than to receive.
2. Dependence. Peter’s Thou - I contrast
Jesus’ I - Thou contrast (will understand later)
For Peter - unthinkable that Christ should engage in such a menial task as washing feet
Peter was humble enough to see the incongruity of Christ’s action, yet proud enough to dictate to his Master.
3. Identification. Jesus - If I don’t wash you have no part with me.
Wash - double meaning
1. Literal foot washing - or can’t eat with Christ; but not necessary for salvation
2. Spiritual washing - washing free from sin which only Christ can give. Apart from this, a man will have no part in Christ.
2. COMPLETE
Characteristic Petrine touch. Convinced by the words of Jesus, Peter will no do the thing by halves. Hand and head must be washed as well as feet. Peter’s words must be seen as a wholehearted renunciation of his previous refusal to be washed at all.
1. Self-Will. The answer is still the product of self-will. Peter still is reluctant to let Jesus do what he wants. He prefers to dictate the terms. By this he misunderstands the meaning of Jesus’ action. Not the part of the body/area of skin (where) Jesus washes but the submission to Christ’s humility.
2. Excess. Jesus gently discourages excess. The imagery is that of a man on his way to a feast. He bathes at home. When he arrives at the feast, he only needs to wash his feet to sit at the table wholly clean. Jesus applies this to the spiritual situation. “He that is bathed” points to a permanent character: he is not simply one that was washed at one time, but he continues in the character of “the washed one”. Such a one has no need for a washing except for the feet.
“...he whose inmost nature has been renovated does not need radical renewal, but only to be cleansed from every several fault into which he may fall through intercourse with the unrenewed world”.
3. Betrayal. Vs. 11 Reference to the one who would betray Him being in the midst. Speaks to the element of salvation and judgment in His warning. Nb - Jesus still washes the feet of his betrayer (hmmm). Doesn’t tell who the betrayer is but he simply alerts. “Tek thought”, “Ti’ kha”
Conclusion:
1. DEMAND. His washing of our feet demands that we too must wash. We must be ready to perform the lowliest task. We would easily wash our Saviour’s feet, but he washes ours and bids us wash our neighbour’s feet.
2. WARNING. His washing of our feet warns us to fight the “unnatural tendency” to betray Him. Eat my bread...lifted up his heels - (like a horse to kick). Unnatural - betrayal not of an acquaintance but a friend - not the action of a “washed” person.
3. ENCOURAGEMENT. His washing of our feet encourages us to be mindful of his care. Care demonstrated two ways. FIRSTLY, by his forewarning of the betrayal. If not they might have though that Jesus’ enemies were too resourceful for Him. The prediction altered that. It ensured that, upon reflection, they would see Christ’s continued mastery of the situation. He was not the deceived and helpless victim of unsuspected treachery, but he was the One sent to do effect God’s purpose - going on calmly and unafraid to do what God had planned for Him to do. SECONDLY, His care is demonstrated when we align ourselves with Christ. To receive the Messenger is to receive the Sender. We must not have too high an opinion of ourselves as messengers nor stand in our own dignity. When we take the lowly paths we are brought close to God.
